Pacific Bridge Fall 2005

Pacific Bridge – Fall Edition
President: Cerell Rivera
Treasurer: Patrick Kogoma
Newsletter Editor: Ryan Moore
Senior Advisors: Courtney Burry & Tim Morey
Website: www.jetaanc.org
JETAANC President: president@jetaanc.org
Scholarship: scholarship@jetaanc.org
JETAANC Books: books@jetaanc.org
JETAANC Yahoo Group: jetaanc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
JETAANC JOBS Yahoo Group:
JETAANCjobs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association
P.O. Box 2873
San Francisco, CA
94126-2873
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Last Minute Submissions
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Please send suggestions or contributions for the winter edition to Ryan Moore at newsletter@jetaanc.org.
JET Streams
雑誌
If you have not yet received a copy of this year’s J E T
Streams, you should immediately update your contact
information directly with CLAIR at the JET Program
homepage: www.jetprogramme.org. JET Streams is a
yearly publication produced by CLAIR that is designed to
keep former JET participants connected with the program.
It is filled with updated news on recent developments
concerning the JET Program and the JET Alumni
Association. Don’t miss out on this popular and valuable
resource.
Japan Society Discount
The Japan Society of Northern California wants you to stay
involved with the Japanese community. During the months of
August and September, all JET Program Alumni are eligible for a
10% discount on new membership at the individual and family
levels! As a member, you'll receive the member rate at all of our
programs and language classes. Fall 2005 Language Classes begin
on September 12, so take advantage of this special offer while it
lasts! Sign-up by visiting our website at www.usajapan.org or by
calling the office at 415-986-4383. Offer valid through September
30, 2005.
割引
Get to Know Us
Welcome to the fall edition of Pacific Bridge. As you can see, the layout has changed a bit from the last one. Please bear with us as we try out new
ideas and continue to strive to make this newsletter more valuable and entertaining for you. To that end, we have listened to comments that you
provided in the last survey as well as by word-of-mouth, and used these suggestions to make the content less redundant and more well-rounded. We
hope you will like the changes we have made and find this the most interesting issue yet. The theme of this edition of Pacific Bridge is NEW
BEGINNINGS. Since this year’s departing JETs have been the focus of the last few months, we have decided to dedicate the material contained
here to them. As we have added new features to Pacific Bridge, JETAANC is also beginning afresh in hopes that you will consider the newsletter a
more valuable resource. I thank all of those who have contributed to this edition, and look forward to even more contributions for the next issue.
Ryan Moore
Pacific Bridge Newsletter Editor
ようこそ
In June and July, with a bit of nostalgia and a ting of jealousy, I participated in consular and JETAANC led pre-departure orientation events for 2005 JET
Program participants. I am extremely grateful to all JETAANC members who donated their time and expertise to meet and talk with departing JETs online
through the SFJETS Yahoo Group, at the Alumni Led Pre-departure Orientation, JETAANC Japanese Grocery Store Tour, Final Send Off gathering and
Ask JETAA Nights. I am certain that these JETAANC efforts helped foster a deeper understanding of the JET Program and led to greater enthusiasm
amongst this year’s JET Program participants. One of the greatest pleasures of participating in these activities is getting to know not only the next generation
of JETs, but becoming acquainted with the extraordinary individuals that make up JETAANC. I look forward to meeting and chatting with more of you soon,
as JETAANC welcomes new JET alumni.
On behalf of all JETAANC members, I would like to welcome back all recent returnees to the Northern California and Nevada. JETAANC exists as a
resource and support system for you. I hope you will become engaged in our activities and will leverage the JETAANC network as you make your transition
back to life in the U.S. The best way for you to keep informed about upcoming JETAA activities is to subscribe to the JETAANC Yahoo Group at jetaancsubscribe@yahoogroups.com. You may also consider prospecting for employment through the JETAANC Jobs Group at JETAANCjobssubscribe@yahoogroups.com. By subscribing to these two online digests you will receive timely updates on JETAANC activities and current job openings. I
would also encourage you to join JETAANC for First Thursday Nomikai in San Francisco. These monthly happy hours are a nice way for you and your
guests to connect with old friends and make new ones in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere (see page 2 for more details).
First Thursday Nomikai is about to celebrate a milestone, one year
since itsTHE
inception
and inaugural meeting. Thank you to all who have participated; you are
SAVE
DATE
responsible for making our first 12 gatherings a success. If you would like to meet with JETAANC members in your area but find San Francisco
•inaccessible,
9/1 FirstI Thursday
Nomikai
encourage you to organize an event near you. All that is required is a location and a commitment to be there. Drop me an email at
(One-year anniversary
inaugural
nomikai)
president@jetaanc.org
with aof
planned
meeting
date, time, and location; I will advertise your JETAANC event in publications, on the Yahoo Group, and on
•the website.
9/20 Inaugural JETAANC Book Club
•Over 9/24
Sonoma
Bike Tour
and Wine
Tasting (Tentative-currently
seekingthe
organizer)
the past
few months
Tim Morey,
Webmaster,
has been working to update
JETAANC website. The site contains information on JETAANC events
•as well
10/6
First
Thursday
Nomikai
as relevant cultural, educational, and governmental resources. In an effort to better serve your needs, I ask that you share with others, resources and
(Welcome
JETs)
information
you Back-returning
found useful while
in Japan or on your return to the region. Please send your contributions to webmaster@jetaanc.org. In addition to web
JETAANC
is alsotoseeking
individuals to organize or help coordinate 2005 JETAANC volunteer and cultural projects as well as the Sonoma
•content,
10/7-10/9
Caravan
Grandgenki
Sumo
Bike
Tour and
Wine Tasting,
to take place this fall. Building on the momentum of the 2004 Tales of the City Progressive Dinner, we are also
• 10/18
JETAANC
Book scheduled
Club
seeking potential hosts for the 2005 Progressive Dinner. If you have any interest in organizing or coordinating these events, send an email to
•president@jetaanc.org.
10/23 Career andRemember,
Networking
the Forum
more time and ideas you offer to JETAANC, the more JETAANC has to offer its members.
•
10/23 Returnees Reception
Finally,
it is with Hosted)
extreme enthusiasm that I welcome Andrew Hattori and Heidi Smith into the JETAANC leadership. They have graciously volunteered to
(Consulate
co-chair JETAANC Books, a new venture that will include periodic book reviews and a monthly book club aimed at JET Alumni. If you would like to
•participate,
11/5 Progressive Dinner
make a contribution to the reading list, submit a review or learn more, please send an email to books@jetaanc.org.
(Tentative-pending hosts)
•Cerell
11/15 JETAANC Book Club
T. Rivera
大統領のメーッセジ
President, JETAANC - US 13
Spotlight: Japan Information Center
On behalf of the Japan Information Center and the Consulate General of Japan, I would
like to express my sincere thanks to all of the JET Alumni who volunteered their time and
assistance with recruiting and preparing the 2005 JET participants. On July 29th, the
consulate along with the gracious help of Kabir Archuletta, Andrew Hattori, Matt
Kohut, and Cerell Rivera sent off 115 participants, who join the 2,700 Americans who
make up over 5,800 participants involved in the JET Program for 2005. We wish them
success and an incredible, enjoyable JET experience.
Hi, I am Sachiyo Kashihara and I just recently
began working as the Advisor for Educational
Affairs at the consulate. I am TRULY glad to be
involved with the JET Program---and this is not
just lip service.
I was born in Ehime, but spent most of my life in
Kanagawa. After completing my BA, I worked
for a Japanese telecommunications company for
several years. Then I went back to school to study
politics at graduate programs in both Japan and
the U.K. And now I find myself in San Francisco.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many alumni who came out to career
fairs and JET information meetings last year to answer the numerous questions from the
anxious undergraduates. Also, a huge thanks goes to the alumni who assisted us with JET
interviews. Your guidance and expertise helped us evaluate and select an excellent group of
JETs. Thanks to Kabir Archuletta, Jack Bareilles, Courtney Burry, Jason Chan, Diana
Chang, Dana Chapnick, Elaine Cheung, Don Cooc, Deborah Eastman, Matthew
Grealish, Jeremy Hought, Matt Kohut, Daniel Lee, Michael Lin, Brad Lucido,
Douglas MacLean, George Manasewitsch, Lindsay Martell, Tom Miskey, Eric
Montes, Ryan Moore, Ronn Patton, Arthur Reis, Michele Riha, Cerell Rivera, David
Schmalz, Lara Siu, Kazuto Suzuki, James Valencia, Andi Wakayama, SladeWhite,
and Jeff Williams.
Appreciation also goes to the alumni who hosted the Ask JETAA Nights throughout the Bay
Area. The new JETs appreciated the convenient locations and informal atmosphere to chat
with alumni, ask last minute questions, and hear the alums reminisce about their JET
experiences. A huge thanks to Dana Chapnick, Michelle Kelly, Chris O'Dea, Brian
Tamekuni, Katie Tuttle, Tim Wagner, and Jennifer Wood.
In my free time I love playing the piano (esp.
Chopin), listening to jazz and windsurfing - if you
have any suggestions for great places to enjoy my
hobbies, please let me know. I am very excited
and looking forward to many great experiences in
SF (both on and off the job) and I am very eager
to meet you all soon! Thank you.
Finally, I would like to thank the past and present JETAANC Officers and Board of
Directors with extra special thanks to Courtney Burry, Patrick Kogoma, Ryan Moore,
Tim Morey, Gary Mukai, and Cerell Rivera for their dedication, hard work, and endless
giving of time. I am so fortunate to have such a great group of loyal and supportive alumni
in JETAANC and hope to call on you again in 2006. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Sachiyo Kashihara
Japan Information Center
Sabrina Yasuda
JET Program Coordinator, Japan Information Center
自己紹介
よろしく
Opportunities Abound
JETAANC Caravan to Grand Sumo, Las Vegas, NV
October 7-9, 2005
相撲
JETAANC is proud to present the 2005 JETAANC Caravan to Grand Sumo in Las
Vegas, Nevada. The caravan has been organized in conjunction with the three-day
(October 7-9, 2005) Grand Sumo Championship tournament at the Mandalay Bay
Resort & Casino. JETAANC members and their guests will have a unique
opportunity to enjoy the national sport of Japan in the original Sin City, Las Vegas.
The Japan Sumo Association, the supreme governing body of the sport, will bring
sumo to Las Vegas for the first time in the sport’s 1,500-year history. The highestlevel sumo athletes, Makunouchi Rikishi, will compete in the Grand Sumo
Championship. Heading the field will be Asashoryu, the current Yokozuna of
sumo. At only 24 years old, he is immensely popular and is poised to hold the
traditional belt for years to come. To ensure a truly authentic experience organizers
will construct a dohyo (sumo ring) that meets all the requirements of the sport,
including the proper mixture of clay and sand as well as the correct deployment of
the tawara (rice-straw bales). Further, a traditional yakata (the roof over the sumo
ring) will be imported from Japan for this tournament.
Space for this exclusive JETAANC event is limited and reservations will be taken
on a first come first serve basis. Per person cost, based on double occupancy, is
$392.81. This specially negotiated rate includes:
•
•
•
•
•
Roundtrip airfare including taxes and fees on United Airlines
Ticket to the Grand Sumo Tournament at Mandalay Bay Resort and
Casino
Two Night Hotel Accommodation including taxes and fees
Ground Transportation
Specially planned activities exclusively for JETAA members and their
guests
Due to the time sensitive nature of this event, you must call Sabrina Yasuda at
415-356-2462 to reserve and pay for your space by August 22, 2005. If you
have questions regarding travel, send an email to Gregory Howell at
sumo@ghatravel.com.
**Proceeds from the 2005 JETAANC Caravan to Grand Sumo will benefit the
2006 JETAANC Scholarship fund. Special thanks to Gregory Howell, former CIR,
President and Co-Founder of GHA Travel for donating his time and resources to
organize the 2005 JETAANC Caravan to Grand Sumo.
NEW JETAANC/JETAA PHOTO CONTEST
In conjunction with Japan’s national Yokoso Japan campaign,
JETAANC/JETAA is sponsoring a national photo competition
called Focus on Japan. This contest is designed to foster
interest and understanding in Japan, Japanese tourism and
Japanese culture, and to additionally educate viewers about the
influence of Japan abroad.
JETAA USA Essay Contest
コンテスト
JETAA USA is pleased to announce the 2005 JETAA USA
Essay Contest. Last year, 117 JET alumni from around the
country submitted outstanding essays with a variety of
thought-provoking ideas. Thanks to the generosity of our
sponsor, Kintetsu International, JETAA USA is able to
repeat the program this year.
** Entries for the photo contest must be received by August
30, 2005 and submissions for the essay contest are due August
31,2005. For further details about either of these two contests
please visit www.jetalumni.org.
2005 Japanese-Language Proficiency Test
December 4, 2005
日本語能力試験
The Japan Foundation administers the Japanese-Language
Proficiency Test (JLPT) once a year in December in order to
evaluate and certify the language proficiency of non-native
speakers of Japanese. Each year, the JLPT has met with an
enthusiastic response from the public. Examinees numbered
more than 300,000 last year, in as many as 39 countries.
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles administers the JLPT at 8
test sites in the US through local host institutions. The deadline
for registration is October 7th. For more information or to sign
up, please visit www.jflalc.org or contact the JLPT Committee
at: 213-621-2267 / noryoku@jflalc.org
Announcing JETAANC Book Club!!
On September 20, join the maiden voyage of the JETAANC Book Club as we discuss Murakami Haruki's recent novel Kafka on the Shore.
Released in January 2005, Kafka on the Shore displays Murakami's penchant for obscuring the lines of real and surreal as the main characters, a 15year old runaway and an elderly simpleton, embark upon a double odyssey along separate but somehow linked paths.
** JETAANC Book Club will meet every 3rd Tuesday in San Francisco, and will focus on books chosen by the group's members. For more
information, please contact Andrew or Heidi at books@jetaanc.org.
会員募集中
Recent JETAANC Activities at a Glance
最近情報
As an active member of JETAANC, you are automatically included in JETAA National and
JETAA International. These two organizations exist to provide JETAA chapter support at
the national and international levels and to provide a forum for exchange between chapters,
CLAIR, MOFA, and consular officials. In June, JETAA chapter leaders from around the
world, gathered in San Francisco and Japan to discuss future collaborations, “best practice”
strategies, and exchange ideas.
On June 3rd and 4th, 40 representatives from 18 US JETAA chapters came together at the
2005 JETAA National Conference in San Francisco. This meeting, organized by event cochairs Courtney Burry and Tim Morey, was hosted by JETAANC, the Consulate
General of Japan in San Francisco, and CLAIR. A highlight of the conference was the
election of two USA Country Representatives, Millie Linville, and Warren McAllen.
Their job is to represent the interests of US JETAA members at the international level.
The 2005 JETAA International Conference, entitled Connection and organized by
Western Japan JETAA, took place in Aichi and Hyogo Prefectures. Cerell Rivera,
President, represented JETAANC. The conference agenda included a visit to EXPO 2005
Aichi Japan, discussions about implementing a new JETAA Content Management System,
induction of South Africa JETAA as a new associate member of JETAAI, and an election
of new international representatives. In the future, rather than meeting annually, country and
chapter representatives will meet on a five-year basis at the international level.
Alumni-Led Orientation
A big thank you to all the JET Alumni,
especially Andrew Hattori, Irene Hung, Gail
Lu, Douglas MacLean, Aaron Miller, Ryan
Moore, Michele Riha, Joan Sinclair, Katie
Tuttle, Andi Wakayama, Lenore Espanola
Joe Chenhansa, James Wu, Sabrina Yasuda,
and Erica Yelensky for helping to make this
year’s Alumni Led Orientation a huge success.
You can feel good about yourselves knowing
that another group of JETs are beginning their
time in Japan with confidence and some idea of
what to expect other than the difference of each
situation. Your knowledge is invaluable to
departing JETs and we hope to see you and
many more alumni next year!
Kabir Archuletta
オリエンテーション
ALO Chair
This past June and July, JETAANC members, Dana Chapnick, Chris O’Dea, Michelle
Kelly, Brian Tamekuni, Katie Tuttle, Tim Wagner, and Jennifer Wood organized and
hosted 7 Ask JETAANC Nights. JET Alums and departing JETs had opportunities to meet
and chat in Berkeley, Menlo Park, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose. Also
this year, 104 new, current, and former JETs from across California, Nevada, and Japan
participated in the SFJETS Yahoo Group. Online discourse addressed a range of issues
including omiyage, banking, shipping, the Internet, keitai use in Japan, and overseas travel.
Save The Date: First Thursday Nomikai
New this year, JETAANC hosted two Alumni-led support activities for departees who spent
the night unaccompanied at the Miyako. Following the formal orientation on June 29th,
Kabir Archuletta, Andrew Hattori, and Cerell Rivera led 15 JETs on a Grocery Store
Tour at Nijiya Market. They purchased tsumami and other treats for the Final Send Off
gathering hosted that evening in a suite generously donated by the Raddison Miyako Hotel.
More than 30 people including alumni mentioned above, Elizabeth Gazay, Josh Lazar,
Heidi Smith, Jim Smith, Michelle Soracco, and Sabrina Yasuda attended. These events
were well received and are slated to become annual gatherings.
October 6, 2005 • The Hidden Vine
620 Post Street, at Taylor Street, San Francisco
www.thehiddenvine.com
** Join us as we welcome back this year’s
returning JETs. As space is limited, arrive early.
September 1, 2005 • EZ5
682 Commercial Street, San Francisco
www.ez5bar.com
** Come and celebrate the one-year anniversary
of the inaugural First Thursday Nomikai.
November 3, 2005 • 111 Minna
111 Minna, SOMA, San Francisco
www.111minnagallery.com
飲み会
Just Have Fun
SAVE THE DATE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
通告
9/1 First Thursday Nomikai
EZ5
9/20 Inaugural JETAANC Book
Club
10/6 First Thursday Nomikai
The Hidden Vine
10/7-10/9 Caravan to Grand Sumo
10/18 JETAANC Book Club
10/23 Career and Networking
Forum
10/23 Returnees Reception Consulate Hosted
11/3 First Thursday Nomikai
111 Minna
11/15 JETAANC Book Club
JEAANC Philanthropy
If you are unable to attend the 2005 JETAANC
Caravan to Grand Sumo but wish to support the
2006 JETAANC Scholarship Fund, donations can
be sent to:
JETAANC Scholarship Fund
博愛
P.O. Box 2873
San Francisco, CA 94126-2873.
**Any amount is welcome. Always remember,
your gift is fully tax-deductible and will be
acknowledged by JETAANC.
Book Reviews: Beyond the Obvious
To get you in the mood for Sumo, we researched the perfect book to pick up - a laugh-outloud to the point of tears guide to a sport which confuses most westerners. Joy of Sumo: A
Fan’s Guide, by David Benjamin and Greg Holfeld. Former JETs will be able to enjoy the
passion and humor, and it is a must read for someone about to embark on a first sumo
encounter. It makes Sumo fun to watch, yet will still answer most of your questions,
including: Why are they so fa-at? What are the winning moves? Why does the referee yell?
Why don't they squash him? A great bus read if you don’t mind laughing in public.
If you’re looking for a different style of sumo glorification, here are a few more ideas:
Sumo, by Makoto Kubota. A gorgeously sensual photographic view of sumo, slightly
lacking in words, might leave you wanting to look elsewhere for more information.
The Big Book of Sumo: History, Practice, Ritual, Fight by Mina Hall. An easy-tounderstand intro to the history and traditions of the sport, with excellent pictures.
Dynamic Sumo (Bushido – The Way of the Warrior) by Clyde Newton. A down-toearth, introductory to intermediate level description of sumo techniques.
Sumo Mouse by David Wisniewski (for kids ages 4-8). Superman with an Asian twist.
Sumo Mouse battles a nefarious villains from a mouse-napping cat mafia in Tokyo.
Complete with musical theme song!
Let’s Draw Manga: All About Fighting by Makoto Nakajima, Big Mouth Factory.
Techniques on how to draw sumo characters and scenes.
Other related topics: Sumo & Woodblock prints; Robot Sumo (Battle of Bots)
Heidi Smith
Co-Chair, JETAANC Books
興
本
Kanji Corner
１６画 音: きょう, こう 訓: おこ（す）、おこ（る）
Examples: 興味 – interests, hobbies
興す – start up, establish
漢字
不興 – displeasure, not amusing
FOOD CORNER
Gyuu Don (Beef Donburi)
A Tried and True Recipe
Submitted by Jason Chan
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1/2 an onion, thinly sliced
2-3 beaten eggs
1/4 cup of water
dash of dashi powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 tablespoon mirin
1 1/2 teaspoon cooking sake
1 tablespoon soy sauce
strips of beef marinated in either teriyaki or soy sauce
optional ingredients: green onions, shiitake mushrooms, peas
牛丼
Preparation:
Combine water, dashi, sugar, mirin, cooking sake, and soy sauce in a small, non-stick skillet
and bring to a simmer. Add onions and beef. Allow the beef to cook slightly and evenly, pour
the beaten eggs over the mixture. (Add optional ingredients if desired.) Cover the skillet to
allow the eggs to cook through for approximately 3-4 minutes. Once the mixture is cooked,
carefully push the mixture on top of your bowl of rice! Garnish if desired.
*When cooking for more than one person, repeat the recipe for each serving!
Itadakimasu!
JETAANC Trivia: Whose idea was it to
initiate First Thursday Nomikai?
Momoko Asakura
Why was it conceived? Was frequently
meeting Whitney and Cerell for happy
hour and thought it would be a great way
to meet other single and cool like-minded
individuals.
Did it work? Ask Whitney!
ゴシップ
If you have any gossip to
contribute, please let us know.
予習
Cover of Kofka on the Shore, the book
being discussed at the first
JETAANC Book Club meeting.
Gossip from the Community!
(KEEP IT ON THE DOWN LOW)
Top to Bottom: Consulate Orientation, Alumni
Led Orientation, ALO Volunteer Party.
写真